Method and apparatus for adjusting a harvesting header float system based on machine pitch or terrain and system thereof

A harvesting header for performing a harvesting operation in a field, comprising:

• a first frame assembly adapted to be coupled to a feederhouse of a work machine;
• a second frame assembly suspended forward of the first frame assembly, the second frame assembly comprising a center frame, a first wing frame and a second wing frame;
• a suspension system coupled to the second frame assembly;
• an actuator of the suspension system providing a suspension force to the second frame assembly;
• a controller operably coupled to the actuator to adjust the suspension force;
• and
• a plurality of sensors disposed in electrical communication with the controller, the plurality of sensors including at least a first sensor for detecting a slope of the field, including uphill or downhill orientation of the harvesting header, and a second sensor for detecting a current pressure of the actuator during the harvesting operation;
• wherein, the controller operably controls the pressure of the actuator to adjust the suspension force based on the slope of the field.

A method for controlling a suspension system of a harvesting header, the harvesting header coupled to a work machine for performing a harvesting operation in a field, the method comprising:

• providing a first frame assembly, a second frame assembly suspended forward of the first frame assembly, the suspension system coupled to and providing a suspension force to the second frame assembly, a controller, an actuator, and a slope detection system;
• sending a first hydraulic pressure to the actuator to provide a suspension force to the second frame assembly;
• detecting a change in slope of the field with the slope detection system, the change in slope including a change in uphill or downhill orientation of the harvesting header;
• communicating the change in slope to the controller from the slope detection system;
• determining a target pressure by the controller as a function of the change in slope;
• and
• commanding target pressure to the actuator by the controller to adjust the suspension force in response to the change in slope, wherein the target pressure is different from the first hydraulic pressure.